# Guiding the Way: A Comprehensive Examination of AI Guidelines in Global Media

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2405.04706 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2405.04706/

## Key facts

- Cited by 6 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 7 May 2024.

## Built on by (most cited first, 6 of 6)

- [ABC Align: Large Language Model Alignment for Safety & Accuracy](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2408.00307/) (2024)
- [On Controlled Change: Generative AI's Impact on Professional Authority in Journalism](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2510.19792/) (2025)
- [Generative Artificial Intelligence for Academic Research: Evidence from Guidance Issued for Researchers by Higher Education Institutions in the United States](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2503.00664/) (2025)
- [Human-AI Collaboration Mechanism Study on AIGC Assisted Image Production for Special Coverage](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2512.13739/) (2025)
- [Mapping the Artificial Intelligence Divide in Africa: Infrastructure, Accessibility and Capacity](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2606.30656/) (2026)
- [The GenAI Catch-22: Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Norwegian Newsrooms During the 2025 Parliamentary Election](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2608.10773/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

With the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in the news industry, media organizations have begun publishing guidelines that aim to promote the responsible, ethical, and unbiased implementation of AI-based technologies. These guidelines are expected to serve journalists and media workers by establishing best practices and a framework that helps them navigate ever-evolving AI tools. Drawing on institutional theory and digital inequality concepts, this study analyzes 37 AI guidelines for media purposes in 17 countries. Our analysis reveals key thematic areas, such as transparency, accountability, fairness, privacy, and the preservation of journalistic values. Results highlight shared principles and best practices that emerge from these guidelines, including the importance of human oversight, explainability of AI systems, disclosure of automated content, and protection of user data. However, the geographical distribution of these guidelines, highlighting the dominance of Western nations, particularly North America and Europe, can further ongoing concerns about power asymmetries in AI adoption and consequently isomorphism outside these regions. Our results may serve as a resource for news organizations, policymakers, and stakeholders looking to navigate the complex AI development toward creating a more inclusive and equitable digital future for the media industry worldwide.